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An investigation agency has submitted a report against seven former ministers, lawmakers and Awami League leaders over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising, paving the way for formal charges against several senior party figures.
The prosecution confirmed the development on Monday morning, October 26, saying the report would be scrutinised before formal charges are filed with the International Crimes Tribunal.
Those named in the report include Awami League Organising Secretary Mirza Azam, Presidium Member Amir Hossain Amu and former Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan.
The other accused are former Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, former Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaq, former adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on power, energy and mineral resources Taufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, and former minister Dipu Moni.
According to the prosecution, the investigating officer submitted the report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office after a lengthy investigation. The report reportedly contains evidence of alleged crimes against humanity, including attacks and incitement aimed at suppressing the student-led mass uprising in July and August.
The prosecution is reviewing the findings before presenting formal charges to the tribunal.
If formal charges are filed, Mirza Azam, Amir Hossain Amu, Shahjahan Khan, Faruk Khan and Taufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury will face trial for the first time in cases involving crimes against humanity, according to the prosecution.
However, Dipu Moni and Abdur Razzaq have already faced formal charges before the tribunal over alleged crimes in a separate case concerning the events at Shapla Chattar.
The next stage of the proceedings will depend on the review of the investigation report, the filing of formal charges and subsequent decisions by the tribunal.